What is Melanotan II the drug that the TGA urges consumers to avoid? Your body already makes a hormone that tells your skin to tan. Melanotan 2 is a synthetic peptide engineered to mimic that hormone but in a version that's more potent and longer lasting than Nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer, trading standards officers warn Consumer affairs The Guardian IMB issues warning over tanning injections at salons or bought on internet The Irish Times